FCGB?

[Anonymous]

I have seen FCGB (MD) play on a couple of occasions and have been impressed with their technical skills and knowledge of the game. They don't play kick and run and really possess the ball. But I've never really heard much about them. Thoughts compared to something like Bethesda, Potomac, or Rush?

[Anonymous]

Who is fcgb

[Anonymous]

Have you seen BRYC? Or Vienna?

[Anonymous]

FCGB is a small club. The founder and their coaches were former European professional players. Hence, they focus extensively on technical skills at the lower ages. They practice 3 times a week at Stone Ridge School or at Germantown Soccerplex. If you’re interested, they have videos of them doing practices on YouTube. Practices are heavily on foot skills.

OP, As you mentioned in your post, they don’t play kick ball. Unfortunately, this means they don’t have lots of wins. But if you want your DD to improve her technical skills and foot work, this club is a good option.

We thought about joining them a couple of years ago but the commute time to weekly practices during rush hour was not feasible. (I am in Rockville.)

[Anonymous]

^^I sit and watch the Barca teams practice while my DD practices...great play IMO. Quick ball movement and one/two touches each...very much possession style and fun to watch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FCGB is a small club. The founder and their coaches were former European professional players. Hence, they focus extensively on technical skills at the lower ages. They practice 3 times a week at Stone Ridge School or at Germantown Soccerplex. If you’re interested, they have videos of them doing practices on YouTube. Practices are heavily on foot skills.

OP, As you mentioned in your post, they don’t play kick ball. Unfortunately, this means they don’t have lots of wins. But if you want your DD to improve her technical skills and foot work, this club is a good option.

We thought about joining them a couple of years ago but the commute time to weekly practices during rush hour was not feasible. (I am in Rockville.)

This was really very helpful. Love that they focus on development. I worry that they are so small that they will have difficulty retaining that talent that they develop once girls get to the older age groups.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who is fcgb

A club in MD.


https://www.fcgbcoe.org/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you seen BRYC? Or Vienna?

No. But we are in MD so that's not an option.

[Anonymous]

I've see their practices often and know some of their players, also familiar with ECNL clubs.

Their practices seem to focus heavily on technical ball skills - which is good. Coaches run a tight, well planned practice. Unclear on game day technical play.

The biggest challenge - for older teams (U13 up) is level of talent and the league they play in/ talent they face . Most of the top talent is in ECNL or GAL and they are playing EDP - not always top tier of EDP, so they are not facing speed of play to put to test the technical play. There are a lot of kids that can look like they are developing ball skills, but it doesn't translate in a game. The talent we know that is there left from some of the bigger clubs - strong, but not top players, usually mid to bottom. I understand some age groups are combined, which is a further issue. Fees are also high - higher than some of the bigger clubs. Its also unclear how they could help on college recruiting as ECNL / GAL have really taken over that. Not saying that is right, just that it would be a bit more challenging.

Just for comparison. BSC ECNL 1 teams - have been under new leadership for past 1.5 years and there is now a very explicit expectation a significant amount of technical ball skill is worked on outside of practice and practice is more technical play of the game.

If I had a younger kid I would definitely consider FCGB as a top choice for development; probably over a BSC, definitely over a potomac / Rush etc . I'm just not sure its a place to stay when you get to the ECNL / GAL stages

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've see their practices often and know some of their players, also familiar with ECNL clubs.

Their practices seem to focus heavily on technical ball skills - which is good. Coaches run a tight, well planned practice. Unclear on game day technical play.

The biggest challenge - for older teams (U13 up) is level of talent and the league they play in/ talent they face . Most of the top talent is in ECNL or GAL and they are playing EDP - not always top tier of EDP, so they are not facing speed of play to put to test the technical play. There are a lot of kids that can look like they are developing ball skills, but it doesn't translate in a game. The talent we know that is there left from some of the bigger clubs - strong, but not top players, usually mid to bottom. I understand some age groups are combined, which is a further issue. Fees are also high - higher than some of the bigger clubs. Its also unclear how they could help on college recruiting as ECNL / GAL have really taken over that. Not saying that is right, just that it would be a bit more challenging.

Just for comparison. BSC ECNL 1 teams - have been under new leadership for past 1.5 years and there is now a very explicit expectation a significant amount of technical ball skill is worked on outside of practice and practice is more technical play of the game.

If I had a younger kid I would definitely consider FCGB as a top choice for development; probably over a BSC, definitely over a potomac / Rush etc . I'm just not sure its a place to stay when you get to the ECNL / GAL stages

+1

[Anonymous]

I think the younger teams can do a better job of navigating the ECNL/GA world (assuming GA is around next year). If the U14 and U15 teams hold on to their talent they will do well and have the opportunity to enter the top brackets at Bethesda Cup, JefCup, Disney etc. For whatever reason, the older teams have struggled. As has been articulated, the talent and traiing is there but I don't see those teams playing with the top teams in the area, let alone competing in the top brackets at the most competitive tournaments. If your DD plans to play college ball and she is u16 or older, I wouldn't bother with FCGB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^^I sit and watch the Barca teams practice while my DD practices...great play IMO. Quick ball movement and one/two touches each...very much possession style and fun to watch.

Ummm. Barca is not FCGB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the younger teams can do a better job of navigating the ECNL/GA world (assuming GA is around next year). If the U14 and U15 teams hold on to their talent they will do well and have the opportunity to enter the top brackets at Bethesda Cup, JefCup, Disney etc. For whatever reason, the older teams have struggled. As has been articulated, the talent and traiing is there but I don't see those teams playing with the top teams in the area, let alone competing in the top brackets at the most competitive tournaments. If your DD plans to play college ball and she is u16 or older, I wouldn't bother with FCGB.

I wouldn't count the oldest team out. They are in Premier 1 of EDP now and the coaches have tightened their roster so they can play to win.

[Anonymous]

My child joined after being at one of the "big" clubs. The coaching at the big club was thoughtless and sub-par (not a top team) year after year. My child lost their joy from being in this club too long (you can prob guess which club has a record of being "joyless"). FCGB provides SOO much more quality coaching without the big club nonsense. My child's team is doing well so far, buf I personally don't care about winning nor about ECNL (I don't care to drive to NJ, there is good competition in the DMV). Let your child decide!, ,!.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child joined after being at one of the "big" clubs. The coaching at the big club was thoughtless and sub-par (not a top team) year after year. My child lost their joy from being in this club too long (you can prob guess which club has a record of being "joyless"). FCGB provides SOO much more quality coaching without the big club nonsense. My child's team is doing well so far, buf I personally don't care about winning nor about ECNL (I don't care to drive to NJ, there is good competition in the DMV). Let your child decide!, ,!.

Would you mind sharing the age group. My DD is currently a U13 travel player but might consider FCGB. Thanks.